Weight Loss Psychology
The Psychology & Weight Loss
Razor-thin models, gorgeous actors and actresses on the big
screens and magazines never seem to pile on weight, and you
must be wondering why. You may be surprised to learn that
there are plenty of famous people also face hard time at maintaining
a healthy weight. But they were able to conquer their problem
with the new-and-improved, healthy view of eating.
You may not know that psychology actually helps to boost
weight loss. The magazine Psychology Today has explored the
issue in-depth. In October of 2004, the magazine has posted
an article on its website detailing the experiences of Diane
Berry, a nurse practitioner who studied women that had shed
at least 15 pounds and had maintained their weight loss for
an average of seven years.
The women also shared some important factors of their weight
loss in common. For example, they have successfully shed their
weight through either Weight Watchers or TOPS, which also
meant that they had a solid support network in the process
of weight maintenance. It was an important group meetings
to them as they know that they are not alone who struggle
with weight. The women were also quite unusual because up
to 90 percent of individuals who have lost weight end up putting
it back on within five years.
Another common attribute of these women is that they seemed
to have undergone a profound mood shift as they made the transition
from fat to thin. The signs indicated that they were depressed
when they were heavy, but, as they started to lose weight,
it had brightened up their mood.
For these women, they have made an unbreakable habit to healthy
eating. They have recognized the incredible role that psychology
plays in weight loss. They denied negative feelings of frustration
and have landed themselves on a positive path instead. It
is also their habit to weight themselves now and then to keep
track of their progress.
They also understood the fact that maintaining weight loss
would be a lifetime struggle. They knew that they could not
attempt a weight loss program then put it back on the shelf.
They have recognized the problem, and have likened their struggle
to that of an alcoholic. Or simply, they recognized the gravity
of their problem and took steps to address the situation.
One of the most interesting aspects of these women is probably
the fact that their weight loss actually came in spurts. At
times when they regained their weight, they are not deterred
to reach their target of goal. In fact, they simply viewed
their setbacks as challenges that they needed to overcome.
This is probably the key psychological trait that separates
successful dieters from unsuccessful ones, which is the perseverance.
This is why women have to change their personalities to ensure
successful weight loss.
Another interesting point of this study showed that the women
who had undergone weight loss transformation were genuinely
happy. This proves the marvelous psychological impact that
weight loss can have on an individual. When the person is
finally free from the excess weight, he or she is better to
face the challenges in life. The dieter benefits from positive
support, as relatives, friends, and co-workers congratulate
him or her for the weight loss. This is why losing weight
can be quite a life-affirming experience and will lead to
a more optimistic outlook on life.
It is also worth mentioning that the psychology of weight
loss is a complicated matter. There is nothing that can turn
a fat person into a thin one. By identifying that there is
a psychological component to successful weight loss may, in
fact, be half the battle. By retraining that individual to
seek healthy approaches to diet, that person will be molded
into a new person, who eats to live, rather than living to
eat.
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